Audi sues importer over sale of Chinese electric vehicles in Germany

Audi has initiated legal proceedings in Germany against the independent importer Auto China to prohibit the sale of two electric vehicle models: the E5 Sportback and the E7X. These vehicles were developed through a strategic partnership between Audi and SAIC specifically for the Chinese market.

Because these models were designed for China, they utilize the AUDI brand name in capital letters rather than the traditional four-ring logo and are built on the Advanced Digitized Platform. This platform integrates with the Chinese digital ecosystem, which limits functionality within Europe.

Auto China has been purchasing these models in China, performing European homologation, and registering them for customers in Germany. While the importer claims to fulfill all certification and warranty requirements, Audi maintains that the vehicles are not intended for export to Europe through unauthorized channels and intends to enforce its legal rights.